It's a very Happy St. Patrick's Day for Dan Rooney: President Obama has nominated the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers owner to be the US ambassador to Ireland.

“I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as the representative of the United States to the Irish people. Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture, and education, and I have every confidence that he and Secretary Clinton will ensure America’s continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead,” Obama said in a statement.

Rooney co-founded the American Ireland Fund, which has generated over $300 million for peace and education programs in Ireland, and also is known for promoting diversity among NFL head coaches and general managers with the inception of the "Rooney Rule."